Weather Forecast

Phillips County Communications Center will test its tornado siren and procedures in Holyoke and Paoli Friday, April 30. The Holyoke test will be done at 10 a.m., followed by the Paoli test at about 10:15 a.m.

During the Holyoke test, the first siren will blow continuously for three minutes. During an actual tornado emergency, this signal means a tornado has been sighted within 10 miles of Holyoke.

The second signal, in which the siren will blow for 30 seconds with a 30-second break and then blow again for 30 seconds, means the tornado has left the area.

CommCenter director Kenny Gaskill said the tornado siren should sound significantly different than the whistle that goes off at 7 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Residents are reminded to call 911 immediately if they see a tornado.

If the weather is stormy on Friday, Gaskill said the siren test will be postponed so residents will not confuse the test with a real tornado emergency.